For years, Pittsblog has been on the receiving end of a steady stream of press releases, requests that I "cover" various events, invitations to partner with this service or that service, and offers of freebies. Look around the blog and check the archives; I'm pretty consistent about ignoring this sort of thing.

But over the last few months, the pace has increased. Anyone want to venture a theory as to why? In part, I've made it somehow onto a list or two, and lists beget lists. Beyond that, I'm at a loss.

For example, here's an email that I received today. Certain information has been redacted.

Hello Michael,

My name is [name] and I’m writing to you on behalf of AT&T. While I know mobile phone carriers/service does not typically fall within Pittsblog’s coverage area, but given a few of your past posts I thought you might be interested in hearing more about AT&T’s operations in the Pittsburgh area. In addition, it’s clear your readers are tech-savvy and like getting Pittsburgh-specific information that affects the way they communicate while they’re around town.

If you’re up for it, we’d love to provide you with some pretty unique,behind-the-scenes insight into the AT&T wireless network in Pittsburgh. The company has been continuously updating and expanding its coverage network in the city and Larry Evans, Vice President and General Manager for AT&T Ohio and Western Pennsylvania, would welcome the chance to chat with you about wireless networks and what really goes into ensuring that mobile device users in Pittsburgh have coverage when and where they need it. We’d take you inside the network infrastructure and use that as a backdrop for the discussion. Photography will be allowed, with a few security restrictions.

Is this meeting something you might be interested in? If so, are you free on April 9th by chance? We’d like to coordinate the meeting at a time during the day that is convenient for you. Let us know what might work.